Bacteria on the Skin: Health Benefits and Infections

Linda Crampton is a writer and teacher with a first class honors degree in biology. She often writes about the scientific basis of disease.

A young baby already has bacteria living on his or her skin. | Source

Bacteria in and on the Body

Many people believe that bacteria living in or on our body must be bad for us. In reality, most of the trillions of bacteria that share our body with us have either a beneficial or a neutral effect on our lives. In fact, it would be difficult to survive if all of our microbes disappeared. Most of the microbes live in our digestive tract, but a large population lives on the skin.

About a trillion microscopic organisms reside on or in the skin. Most of them are bacteria. The majority of these bacteria are harmless. Some are harmless most of the time but can cause a problem under certain conditions. Some may actually be helpful and are thought to boost the activity of our immune system.

The resident bacteria on the skin are sometimes known as the skin flora and are said to form the skin microbiome. They feed on dead skin cells, chemicals released by living cells, and sebum. Sebum is an oily substance made by sebaceous glands. Its chief function is to lubricate and waterproof the skin.

Structure of the skin | Source

Resident and Transient Bacteria on the Skin

Bacteria on the skin are classified as resident or transient bacteria. Resident bacteria live on the surface of the skin and in its upper layer. They are our long-term companions and aren't removed by washing with soap and water. They can be removed with certain antibacterial chemicals, though. This article focuses on some effects of resident skin bacteria on our lives.

Transient bacteria are those that we pick up when we touch contaminated surfaces. They aren't as firmly integrated with our skin as our resident bacteria and can be removed by washing with soap and water. Transient bacteria are more likely to be harmful than resident ones. When health experts tell us to wash our hands to prevent infections, they are often thinking about the potentially dangerous transient bacteria that may come into contact with our skin.

An NIAID Scientist Describes Good Skin Bacteria

The species of bacteria living on and in our skin depends on the habitat. Dry skin, oily areas, and areas that tend to stay moist (such as the skin between the toes) all contain different bacterial communities. Fungi also live on our skin.

Resident Skin Bacteria May Boost Immunity

Resident skin bacteria are classified as commensals. Commensalism is a relationship in which one organism benefits from the association and the other is unaffected. Mutualism may be a better name for the relationship between skin bacteria and us, however. In mutualism, both organisms benefit from their association.

Recent evidence is showing that bacteria living on the skin may help us. The evidence suggests that some may protect us from pathogens (microbes that cause disease) by stimulating the activity of our immune system and possibly by making antimicrobial chemicals. The immune system's job is to fight disease.

Protection From Leishmania

In 2012, researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) performed an interesting experiment in mice. The experiment demonstrated the protective role played by one type of skin bacterium. The mice were germ-free and had no microbes in their gut or on their skin, the most common sites for bacteria in both mouse and human bodies.

The researchers added a bacterium called Staphylococcus epidermidis to the skin of some of the germ-free mice. The bacterium multiplied and colonized the skin of the mice. The researchers then added a protozoan parasite called Leishmania major to the skin of the germ-free mice that had been given Staphylococcus and to the skin of germ-free mice without Staphyloccus. The mice with Staphylococcus were able to fight Leishmania; the mice without Staphylococcus were unable to fight the parasite.

Leishmania is also a parasite on human skin and Staphylococcus epidermidis is part of our skinflora. The researchers suspect that the results of their experiment with mice would be the same if the experiment was performed on human skin. They don't know whether this would be the case, however.

In humans, Leishmania causes a disease called leishmaniasis. The most common type of the disease is restricted to the skin and is called cutaneous leishmaniasis. Visceral leishmaniasis affects the internal organs and is a very dangerous disease.

Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium on human skin | Source

Protection From a Fungal Infection

In 2015, the same team that studied the relationship between Staphyloccus epidermidis and Leishmania reported another interesting discovery about the bacterium. Once again, the study was performed in mice.

Once Staphyloccus epidermidis had colonized the skin of the mice, the researchers found an increase in the number of CD8+ T cells in their body. These T cells are part of the immune system in both mice and humans. The cells produce signaling molecules that stimulate other cells in the immune system and cause them to spring into action.

After the T cell level had risen, the researchers applied a pathogenic fungus to the skin of the mice. The mice were able to destroy the fungus. If the T cell and signaling molecule levels were reduced, the mice were unable to fight the pathogen.

The information below is for general interest only. Anybody with a skin problem that concerns them should visit a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Folliculitis decalvans

Folliculitis

One human skin problem caused by bacteria is folliculitis, or inflammation of the hair follicles. A hair follicle is a structure in the skin that produces a hair. It can become inflamed by either a bacterial infection or an irritation. Folliculitis is most common where skin is damaged. Insect bites, shaving cuts, or friction as the skin is rubbed repeatedly against clothing are some ways in which this damage may occur.

Follicuilitis causes groups of small, red bumps to appear on the skin. The skin may also be itchy. If an infection is present, pimples filled with pus may form. Mild folliculitis may not need any treatment. Doctors may prescribe antibiotic creams or tablets for more serious cases.

The video above describes Folliculitis decalvans, a rare disorder in which inflamed hair follicles on the scalp are accompanied by patches of hair loss, or alopecia. The cause isn't known, but it may sometimes be due to an abnormal reaction to Staphylococcus aureus.

Boil Information

Boils and Carbuncles

Like some cases of folliculitis, a boil is produced due to an infection of hair follicles. In this case, however, the infection goes deeper into the skin and a large, painful swelling filled with pus develops over the infected area. Boils are also called furuncles.

The Mayo Clinic says that small boils can "generally" be treated at home. Home treatment includes applying warm compresses to the boil for ten minutes at a time, three or four times a day. When the boil has ruptured, it should be covered with a sterile dressing. It's important to be careful at this stage, since the fluid from the boil contains bacteria which can infect new areas. If a boil is soft, it may not burst on its own. This type of boil requires medical treatment.

A carbuncle is a more extensive infection in which a group of boils forms. It often causes more discomfort than single boils and may be harder to treat.

Impetigo sores | Source

Impetigo

Impetigo is a very contagious skin infection that is most common in young children. Red sores or blisters may appear on the face—especially around the nose and mouth—and on the neck, hands, forearms, or diaper area. Impetigo may develop on undamaged skin, but it usually appears on skin that has been irritated by being scratched after another injury, such as an encounter with poison ivy.

Large blisters are produced in bullous impetigo while crusted sores are produced in non-bullous impetigo. Non-bullous impetigo is the most common type. Stapyhlococcus aureus can cause either type of impetigo. Non-bullous impetigo may also be caused by a form of Streptococcus.

Impetigo can be spread from one part of the body to another or from one person to another by skin contact. Touching materials like wash cloths, towels, or clothes that have come into contact with the sores can also transmit the disease. Impetigo is often treated with an antibiotic cream or with an antibiotic medication that is swallowed.

Impetigo Information

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is an infection of the tissues below the surface of the skin. It is often treated by antibiotics. It's potentially dangerous, however, because the bacteria may enter the blood or lymph nodes under the skin and then spread through the body. It's important to begin treatment as soon as possible.

Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are common causes of cellulitis. Unfortunately, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) also causes cellulitis. This bacterium is hard to treat because it's resistant to many common antibiotics, including methicillin. It's a different variety of bacterium from regular Staphylococcus aureus.

A colorized view of the MRSA bacterium | Source

Risk Factors for Cellulitis

Factors that increase the risk of cellulitis development include:

a prior injury that has damaged the skin, making it easier for bacteria to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin

disorders that weaken the protective barrier of the skin, such as eczema and psoriasis

certain health problems, such as diabetes and disorders that weaken the immune system

being an older adult

A Patient With Cellulitis

Possible Symptoms of the Disorder

Possible symptoms of cellulitis include the following:

The infected area may be red, warm, swollen and tender. These symptoms may occur in other conditions besides cellulitis, but they are a warning sign and should be watched very carefully.

If the red and swollen area is expanding, see a doctor very soon.

If the red and swollen area is rapidly getting worse, see a doctor immediately.

If a fever is present as well as a red and swollen area, see a doctor immediately.

Acne in a fourteen-year-old boy | Source

Bacteria and Acne

Propionibacterium acnes is a normal inhabitant of most people's skin. It lives within the hair follicles instead of on the surface of the skin. The bacterium feeds on fatty acids in sebum, chemicals made by cells, and cellular debris. It may also be found in our gastrointestinal tract. Like other bacteria in our body, Propionibacterium acnes ismetabolically active. It releases digestive enzymes and other chemicals and alters the environment around it.

Despite its activities, the microbeis usually a harmless member of our bacterial community. However, like some other skin bacteria it may occasionally cause problems. During adolescence the amount of sebum that's made increases as a response to hormonal changes. This may cause a corresponding increase in the population of Propionibacterium acnes. At high levels the bacterium can cause inflammation and play a role in the development of acne.

It's important to wash our hands after using a restroom. | Source

Hand Hygiene

Like skin bacteria, most bacteria in our intestine are helpful or harmless, but some dangerous bacteria may be present. These can be released in feces. Fecal bacteria can easily be transferred to our hands when we use a toilet or a public washroom. Washing the hands in these situations is therefore extremely important. Washing the hands before eating is also important in order to remove any harmful transient bacteria that we've picked up by touching objects.

It's also necessary to wash the hands after coming into a contact with certain skin problems caused by bacteria. The bacteria are often behaving abnormally or located in an unusual habitat (for them) and can sometimes be transferred from one person to another.

Fortunately, although some bacteria can cause unpleasant or dangerous infections, the majority of the resident bacteria on our skin are friendly. Scientists are making very interesting discoveries about the lives of these organisms and the ways in which they affect us. Skin bacteria may help us in more ways than we realize.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Questions & Answers

Questions must be on-topic, written with proper grammar usage, and understandable to a wide audience.

Comments

No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked. Comments are not for promoting your articles or other sites.

sending

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

5 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thank you so much, drbj! I appreciate your visits and kind comments a great deal.

drbj and sherry

5 years agofrom south Florida

Since the skin is our largest organ, it well deserves the comprehensive compendium of information you have provided, Alicia. Thanks for your enormous and fascinating research.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

5 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thank you, RTalloni! I appreciate your comment.

RTalloni

5 years agofrom the short journey

A very interesting look at bacteria on the skin and the various disorders related to it. Thanks for putting the information together for us in an easy-to-read format!

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

5 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thank you very much for the comment, Peggy. I appreciate the pin and the votes, too. I agree with you - washing the hands is a very important step for preventing disease!

Peggy Woods

5 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Well written and researched hub Alicia. I will be happy to pin this to my Health Related Subjects board on Pinterest. Also voting this up and useful. So glad that you stressed the importance of washing hands! It is one of the simplest ways to avoid getting ill.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

5 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thank you very much for the vote and the share, starbright! I appreciate your visit and comment.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

5 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Hi, self-counsel. Thank you for the comment!

Lucy Jones

5 years agofrom Scandinavia

It's a bit creepy and a good thing we can't see everything that's going on with our bodies. Fantastic hub and very interesting despite the creepiness :-) Thanks for sharing. Voted and shared.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

5 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thanks for the comment, Nell. I appreciate the vote and the share, too! It is very interesting that we have both good and bad bacteria sharing our body with us.

self-counsel

5 years ago

Thanks for a very informative hub! Skin has a normal bacterial flora that serves useful purpose. Some of these organisms produce organic acids that prevent harmful organisms from accumulating.

Nell Rose

5 years agofrom England

Wow all those little bugs! seriously though its fascinating to know that we have good bacteria as well as the bad, and the bit about the mice was interesting too, to think that without their bacteria they were more suseptible to illness compared to the others, fascinating hub, and voted and shared, nell

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

5 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thanks, Deb. Yes, the bacteria on our skin are busy creatures! It's strange that so much is happening without us seeing it.

Deb Hirt

5 years agofrom Stillwater, OK

I didn't realize there was so much going on with bacteria in our daily lives. A great article.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

5 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thank you very much for the vote and the share, Bill! Yes, bacteria are interesting creatures. Some are so helpful and some are so harmful!

Bill De Giulio

5 years agofrom Massachusetts

Great job Alicia. I think we all need an education about bacteria. With all of the anti-bacterial soaps, lotions, etc. out there people are convinced that all bacteria is bad for us. This was a great explanation of how bacteria works and what to watch for. Thanks for the education. Voted up, shared, etc....

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

5 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Hi, Sue. Your experience in hospital sounds scary! Thanks for the comment and the votes.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

5 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thank you for the comment, Tom. I appreciate the votes, too!

Susan Bailey

5 years agofrom South Yorkshire, UK

Voted up and interesting. Great hub. I was amazed when I was in hospital not long ago just how many of the nurses and doctors didn't wash their hands or use the antibac gel. No wonder there's MRSA running rife.

Thomas Silvia

5 years agofrom Massachusetts

Hi my friend, very interesting and well written and informative article with some useful information on these skin conditions . Well done !

Vote up and more !!!

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

5 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thank you very much for the comment, the vote and the share, gags3480!

GAGANPREET SINGH BHATIA

5 years agofrom Kanpur, India

Thanks for this useful info. You did a really good job.

Voted up & Shared.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

5 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thank you very much for the comment, Bill!!

Bill Holland

5 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Wow! Great job of compiling information, Alicia. This is a treasure chest of knowledge and written very well.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

5 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thank you very much for the comment and for passing the hub on, vocalcoach! I appreciate your visit.

AUTHOR

Linda Crampton

5 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

Thank you very much, mnkk! I appreciate the comment.

Audrey Hunt

5 years agofrom Idyllwild Ca.

Very useful information. I'm passing this on as we all need to read about bacteria on the skin. Thanks so much for writing this hub.

Kathleen March

5 years agofrom Brunswick, Maine

Very well written and with a perfect amount of information. I enjoy reading your health hubs!

Connect with us

This website uses cookies

As a user in the EEA, your approval is needed on a few things. To provide a better website experience, youmemindbody.com uses cookies (and other similar technologies) and may collect, process, and share personal data. Please choose which areas of our service you consent to our doing so.

This is used to display charts and graphs on articles and the author center. (Privacy Policy)

Google AdSense Host API

This service allows you to sign up for or associate a Google AdSense account with HubPages, so that you can earn money from ads on your articles. No data is shared unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)

This is used for a registered author who enrolls in the HubPages Earnings program and requests to be paid via PayPal. No data is shared with Paypal unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)

Facebook Login

You can use this to streamline signing up for, or signing in to your Hubpages account. No data is shared with Facebook unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)

Maven

This supports the Maven widget and search functionality. (Privacy Policy)

We may use remarketing pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to advertise the HubPages Service to people that have visited our sites.

Conversion Tracking Pixels

We may use conversion tracking pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to identify when an advertisement has successfully resulted in the desired action, such as signing up for the HubPages Service or publishing an article on the HubPages Service.

Statistics

Author Google Analytics

This is used to provide traffic data and reports to the authors of articles on the HubPages Service. (Privacy Policy)

Comscore

ComScore is a media measurement and analytics company providing marketing data and analytics to enterprises, media and advertising agencies, and publishers. Non-consent will result in ComScore only processing obfuscated personal data. (Privacy Policy)

Amazon Tracking Pixel

Some articles display amazon products as part of the Amazon Affiliate program, this pixel provides traffic statistics for those products (Privacy Policy)